The Great Blue Heron 73 



more such instances, there would be less reckless killing of 

 these useful and beautiful birds. 



It is interesting to watch them taking their food. One of 

 the most beautiful bird scenes that I have ever witnessed was 

 that of five large white herons, ardea egretta, thus engaged in 

 Fall Creek. The water was clear, the day bright, and the 

 images of the birds were beautifully reflected in the water. 

 They became alarmed at my presence, took flight and flew up 

 the stream, and as they flew their bodies continued to be re- 

 flected in the water, as beautifully as if the surface of the 

 water had been a mirror. 



The great blue heron can hardly be called a most useful 

 bird, nor has he any music to commend him, but he may be 

 commended for what he does not do ; he is an innocent and 

 harmless creature, if left alone in his wild haunts. It is his 

 great, though simple, beauty that makes him valuable. The 

 Japanese more than any other people have appreciated this 

 fact, and have availed themselves of it in their decorative 

 paintings. In an exhibition of Japanese art which it was my 

 privilege to attend I was impressed with the beauty of their 

 bird drawings and paintings, and especially with their beauti- 

 ful soft blue and grayish tints. 



